Father Charged with Child Abuse After Dangerous Hike in Utah

A father in Utah faces serious charges after allegedly taking his three young children on a perilous hike, leading to accusations of child torture. Disturbing mobile phone footage captured his daughter asking if she might freeze to death during the ordeal.

Micah Smith, 31, has been charged with aggravated child abuse for the incident which involved his kids, aged 2, 4, and 8, on a strenuous hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon on October 11.

The indictment claims that what should have been a simple hike quickly escalated into a crisis due to Smith’s neglect of his children’s safety.

During the hike, he referred to it as the Broad’s Fork Trail. His daughter mentioned hearing that it could take 9 miles or 9 hours to complete, although she wasn’t sure which.

According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, “This is not an easy hike that you can take your kids on.”

The hike is a challenging 5-mile round trip with a significant elevation gain of around 2,100 feet, making it difficult for children.

Family members became concerned when the group did not return home and reported them missing.

Rescue teams found the family around 600 feet from the summit, where Smith had made a makeshift shelter from rocks and poles to shield them from the elements.

Reports indicate that Smith’s youngest son had fallen and hit his head, appearing dazed when they were located.

Rescue workers discovered Smith’s 4-year-old son lying unconscious on top of his 2-year-old brother, who was also unresponsive.

Smith later said he performed CPR on his children after they lost consciousness. According to the indictment, both boys were inadequately dressed for the cold conditions.

At some stage, Smith reportedly taught his daughter CPR before descending alone, as per Fox 13’s coverage.

When paramedics found them, they worked on the 4-year-old for 25 minutes as they made their way down the mountain. Despite his daughter’s pleas to turn back when they were two miles from the summit, Smith dismissed her concerns, insisting they were missing out on a unique opportunity.

During police inquiries, it came to light that Smith sent text messages to his wife expressing worry about their children and the worsening weather conditions. He noted that everyone was tired and that carrying the 2-year-old was challenging.

His daughter’s fears were evident when she asked, “Are you going to freeze to death, Daddy?” while they were on the mountain.

After their rescue, the family members were taken to the hospital. Smith’s condition was reported as mild, while his daughter was stable. However, both younger boys were in serious condition.

The 4-year-old remains hospitalized following a stroke that required surgical intervention. When he arrived at the hospital, his temperature was dangerously low.

Smith was booked into jail in Salt Lake County on November 25. According to online records, he is currently in custody.

Reports indicate that Smith has had previous run-ins with law enforcement, including an incident where he was found with weapons while expressing suicidal thoughts a month before this hiking incident. He later claimed that he never intended to harm himself despite having a firearm in his vehicle.

On November 10, following the rescue, Smith faced additional charges for trespassing at a hospital where his son was receiving care, along with allegations of tampering with medical equipment. He has also been arrested for domestic violence in connection to past incidents.

The indictment suggests a troubling pattern, indicating that Smith is a danger not only to himself but also to his children.